Geothermal system

ABSTRACT

A geothermal system, comprising at least one geothermal column, comprising at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil configured to communicate with a heat pump compressor; a hollow tube having an outer wall of diameter substantially greater than that of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and positioned so as to surround said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil, said outer wall having a substantially rigid configuration such that said hollow tube maintains its shape; and a support member configured to retain a shape of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and maintain a centrally located position of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil within said hollow tube; and a compressor section in communication with the at least one geothermal column and a climate system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional applicationNo. 61/410,053 filed Nov. 4, 2010, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of geothermal heating andcooling, and more particularly to an improved heat transfer geothermalsystem that includes at least one geothermal column positioned within anearth mass for transfer of heat to and from the earth mass.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any publications or references discussed herein are presented todescribe the background of the invention and to provide additionaldetail regarding its practice. Nothing herein is to be construed as anadmission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate suchdisclosure by virtue of prior invention.

Geothermal energy is becoming more and more important in the globalenvironment as the supply of fossil fuels diminish, the demand forenergy increases, control and demands from oil producing companies areat issue and the costs of energy continues to rise. Although largegeothermal energy production facilities are being used throughout theworld to produce more and more electricity especially in areas likeCalifornia where there is tremendous inner earth activity, more focusneeds to be placed on individual systems which are based on the earth'sconstant temperature at shallow depths to enable efficient heating andcooling for buildings and which can be installed at the site of use. Inorder for individual systems to gain broader market acceptance, there isa need for better control of the earth-refrigerant interface, easierinstallation methods, and greater efficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These features, together with other objects and advantages which willbecome subsequently apparent in light of the present description, residein the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafterdescribed and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawingsforming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved geothermalsystem that can include at least one geothermal column that isconfigured so that it is easy to install, has enhanced heat transferqualities that uses an antifreeze free liquid disposed therewithin totransfer heat to or from the surrounding earth mass in substantiallyvertical orientation. This orientation and approach requires far lessdigging, drilling and landmass than conventional horizontal and deepvertical well systems and provides low impact to the environment (i.e.is “green”).

One embodiment of the improved geothermal system includes at least onegeothermal column including at least one spirally wound refrigerationcoil configured to communicate with a heat pump compressor; a hollowtube having an outer wall of diameter substantially greater than that ofthe at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and positioned so asto surround said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil, saidouter wall having a substantially rigid configuration so that saidhollow tube maintains its shape under ordinary conditions of deployment;and a support member configured to retain a shape of said at least onespirally wound refrigeration coil and maintain a centrally locatedposition of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil withinsaid hollow tube. The system further includes an expansion device suchas a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) configured to communicate withthe at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil. The system furtherincludes a compressor section configured to communicate with the atleast one spirally wound refrigeration coil, the expansion device, andat least one of a building heating system and cooling system.

Another embodiment of the improved geothermal system includes at leastone geothermal column, comprising at least one spirally woundrefrigeration coil configured to communicate with a heat pumpcompressor; a hollow tube having an outer wall of diameter substantiallygreater than that of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coiland positioned so as to surround said at least one spirally woundrefrigeration coil, said outer wall having a substantially rigidconfiguration such that said hollow tube maintains its shape underordinary conditions of deployment; and a support member configured toretain a shape of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coiland maintain a centrally located position of said at least one spirallywound refrigeration coil within said hollow tube; and a compressorsection in communication with the at least one geothermal column and atleast one of a climate system such as a heating system and/or a coolingsystem. Moreover, the geothermal system can be integrated such that thegeothermal column, compressor section and climate system areincorporated into a single packaged system which is deployable as asingle unit.

In addition to the above aspects, the substantially rigid hollow tubeconfiguration of the present invention allows for the production of apre-fabricated unit that can be installed quickly and easily in thefield without the need of skilled laborers. The outer wall can beconstructed from flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid corrugated materialdesigned to more efficiently transfer heat energy to the environmentsuch that an antifreeze-free liquid vehicle in the hollow tube can beused, which is better for the environment. That is, the improved wallconstruction and heat circulation within the hollow tube of the presentinvention is such that antifreeze is not necessary reducing the chanceof contaminating the surrounding soil should an accidental leak/spilloccur.

The new factory assembled unit of the improved geothermal column of thepresent invention are positioned within an earth mass whereby duringoperation, the refrigerant coils transfer heat to and from theantifreeze-free liquid vehicle disposed within the hollow tube to causea convection cycle within the antifreeze-free liquid to bring theantifreeze-free liquid to a more uniform temperature throughout so as toprevent freezing in one part and overheating in others. Thisconfiguration and structure results in is a superior degree of heattransfer with a reduction of hot or cold spots as would be experiencedin traditional direct exchange geothermal technologies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

In the drawings, to which reference will be made in the specification,similar reference characters have been employed to designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIGS. 1A to 1C are perspective views of various stages of cutaways of ageothermal column according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a geothermal column according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a geothermal column according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a geothermal system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the distribution and compressorsections of the present invention.

FIGS. 6-8 are various views according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is tobe understood that this invention is not limited to the specificdevices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shownherein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention.

As used in the specification and including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” oneparticular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particularvalue. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes fromthe one particular value and/or to the other particular value.Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment.

It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example,horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are forillustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of thedisclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relativeand used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily“superior” and “inferior”.

All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.,“such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate theinvention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventionunless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to thepractice of the invention.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterizedby,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-endedterms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or methodsteps, but will also be understood to include the more restrictive terms“consisting of and “consisting essentially of.”

The following discussion includes a description of a new and improvedgeothermal system of the present invention, related components andexemplary methods of employing the device in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments are alsodisclosed. The geothermal system of the present invention provides ageothermal system that utilizes one or more vertical geothermal heatexchange column to exchange heat with the surrounding soil environmentin an efficient and environmentally safe way. The system is designed toreduce the use of fossil fuels and therefore reduce the carbon footprintassociated with conventional heating and cooling systems presentlyavailable on the market today.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.Turning now to the drawings, there are illustrated components of thegeothermal column in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

In accordance with the invention, the geothermal system 100 comprises atleast one geothermal column, generally indicated by reference character10, which includes at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil 11.The spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 can be configured tocommunicate with a compressor section 30. These connections can befacilitated through ports 20 and 21 located on top cap 19.

Also included in the geothermal column 10 is a hollow tube 12. Thehollow tube 12 includes an outer wall 13 of a diameter substantiallygreater than that of the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11. The outerwall 13 can be positioned so as to surround the spirally woundrefrigeration coil 11. The outer wall 13 can be of a substantially rigidconfiguration so that the hollow tube 12 maintains its shape. Thegeothermal column 10 also can include a support member 14, shown in thisembodiment as being comprised of a column 17 and a plurality of combs18. Annular supports 23 are situated in a manner so as to retain theirposition within the hollow tube 12. The inner radius of the annularsupports 23 is greater than the distance from the center of the columnand an extended end 18 a of each comb 18 if combs are employed in theembodiment. The combs 18 used in conjunction with the annular supports23 restrict lateral movement of the support member 14 and allow verticalmovement of the support member 14.

A bottom cap 22 is securely attachable to the bottom of the hollow tube12 in a manner to provide a water tight seal between bottom cap 22 andthe hollow tube 12. The top cap may be fastened to the hollow tube 12 insuch a way as to allow removal for service but secure attachment fortransport and installation. This removable method of securement mayallow for venting of any internal pressures built up within the column10. The support member 14 is attached to the top cap 19. The supportmember 14 is configured to retain the shape of the spirally woundrefrigeration coil 11. The support member 14 can also function tomaintain a centrally located position of the spirally woundrefrigeration coil 11 within said hollow tube 12.

The geothermal column 10 is designed to be positioned within a void in asurrounding earth mass (not shown). A non-antifreeze fluid 16 fills thespace within the hollow tube 12 and surrounds substantially all of thesurface area of the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11; water is apreferred non-anti-freeze fluid 16.

The spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 is sized to optimum performancelevels based on system requirements. System requirements can includesize of an area to be heated/cooled, geological conditions in and aroundthe geothermal column installation area, etc. The geothermal heatexchange column components are sized independently and as a system tomatch heat exchange from the copper coil to water to the heat exchangefrom the water to the earth, while optimizing the trade off betweenpressure drop and component cost. At the same time, critical oilentrainment velocities are ensured, and coil diameter to column diameterratios are maintained to facilitate convective mixing in the describedannulus. Further, overall dimensions are selected from a limited arrayof values that are constrained by commonly available materials (e.g.standard copper tube diameters, standard corrugated column diameters andlengths, common augur bit diameters, etc.) and practically maneuveredand transported sizes. Additionally, practicality is exercised in sizinggeothermal columns to factors of or fractions of heating and coolingtons (one ton=12,000 btuh and is the commonly used measurement of HVACsystem size). The required refrigerant velocity for oil entrainment isgiven roughly by the equation:

MinimumVelocity=A*SquareRoot(InnerDiameter)

where A is a constant that varies depending upon refrigerant phase andorientation (horizontal or vertical) of flow. Mass flow through eachcircuit (coil) within the heat exchanger is based on the rated mass flowof the selected compressor and its rated tonnage:

MassFlowCircuit=MassFlowSystem/ColumnsPerSystem/CircuitsPerColumn.

Minimum required mass flow through each circuit is determined bycalculating the mass flow through a tube of given diameter in the liquidphase vertical orientation with certain density characteristics:

MinimumMassFlow=MinimumVelocity*CrossSectionalArea*Density(p,t).

Equating MassFlowCircuit to MinimumMassFlow allows a direct relationshipbetween pipe diameter (via CrossSectionalArea) and the required numberof circuits per column. Discretion here must be used to selectapplicable results based on practical applications such as even numbersof circuits or reasonable numbers of circuits relative to creating aPractically sized manifold. Given the number of circuits required percolumn at a given pipe diameter as well as a mass flow at that diameter,and assuming certain operating conditions near the extremes (for examplewater temperatures near 32 or 90 degrees F.) one skilled in the art candetermine the required length of tubing for effecting phase change fromliquid to vapor or vice versa. Further, based upon this required circuitlength and associated velocity and density at certain conditionsincluding vapor quality, one can determine the pressure drop along thelength of the circuit. Finally given the length of circuit, number ofcircuits, cost of raw materials, and pressure drop along the length, onecan evaluate the tradeoff of pressure drop against added cost—both ofwhich impact the success of the invention negatively. The columncontainment vessel is sized based upon both the volume of the fluidcontained, which is a function of the physical dimensions of thecontainment, and the amount of energy which can be transferred to orfrom the column which is based upon the temperature differential betweenthe fluid and the earth, the surface area of the transfer medium, andthe thermal conductivities of the water, the containment, and the soil.The transfer rate of energy between the heat exchanger coil and thewater given adequate minima of design is a function of the number ofcolumns per the rated capacity of the compressor (e.g. two columns perton), and as such the minimum design of the geothermal column is tosufficiently match that heat exchange into the earth. As the energy isabsorbed or rejected by the earth, the earth will subsequently changetemperature. As the temperature is measured in all directions away fromthe heat exchange column, the temperature change asymptoticallyapproaches zero. Based upon a proposed work load of the system and anallowable earth temperature change rate, the minimum required geothermalcolumn spacing can be determined for a geothermal column of particularsize and energy transfer rate.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of upper oil trap 24, upper oiltrap 25, and lower oil traps 26 provide oil entrainment and return. Oilentrainment and return is a critical design issue in nearly all HVACproducts, as standard compressors are sealed and do not containindependent oil reservoirs. As such, the compressor relies on therefrigerant to carry oil away from and returning to the compressor inorder to maintain lubrication. While the oil is designed to be misciblein the refrigerant, there is a certain velocity that is required inorder to keep the oil from falling out of suspension. Oil separationresulting from poor design or improper operation can result ininsufficient return and ultimately compressor failure. Additionally, inlong piping runs or in unusually high vertical drops, oil which hasnaturally fallen out of suspension upon shut down of a system has atendency to migrate to a natural low point. Often when the system isrestarted, that oil only very slowly or never returns to the compressor.Vertical drops and rises and long piping runs are unavoidable aspects ofthe present invention. Embodiments of the present invention includeoptimized piping sizing to ensure sufficient oil entrainment, but alsoinclude newly designed oil traps into the piping configuration. Oiltraps 24, 25 and/or 26 are incorporated at the top entrance and exitpoints of the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11. Upper oil traps 24and/or 25 include a loop design having loops approximately 8″ indiameter oriented in a vertical plane. Lower oil traps 26 include aU-bend design.

Spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 includes one or more individualsections. In the drawings two sections 11 a and 11 b are shown. Whileindividual sections are coiled and stacked vertically along the column17, the lower exit of each coil extends to the lowest point in thecolumn to equalize pressure head among all sections and to equalize theoil “plug” induced pressures among all circuits, aiding in oil returnfrom the lowest points in the systems. That is, each section 11 a and 11b are equal in length. By varying the number of sections, theheating/cooling capacity of the geothermal column 10 can be varied. Forexample, each section can represent ¼ of a ton of conditioningcapacity—i.e. two sections can be incorporated into a ½-ton geothermalcolumn 10, and four sections can be incorporated into a 1-ton geothermalcolumn 10. As stated above, each section should preferably be ofsubstantially equal length in order to ensure equal refrigerantdistribution to each column as a result of pressure differentials.

Sections 11 a and 11 b of the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 canbe so arranged such that the refrigerant enters at a plurality ofpositions in the coil and exits from the upper region. This arrangementassures that there is an equal distribution of refrigerant in thespirally wound refrigeration coil 11 so that the heat transfer can beuniform throughout the device, which, in turn, can prevent sections ofthe tubing from overheating or freezing.

Sections 11 a and 11 b of the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 arepreferably constructed from copper tubing. The tubing, which ispreferably between one-eighth of an inch to 1 inch in diameter, are insubstantially full contact with the non-antifreeze liquid 16 in thehollow tube 12. The diameter of the tubing is determined by the numberof columns and the cooling/heating capacity that the system is designedto cool/heat. By design, the non-antifreeze liquid 16 contained withinthe hollow tube 12 at the lower region is heated to a greatertemperature than at the upper region, which causes the water within thetube to move upward to create a cyclic motion.

Depending upon operational mode (that is, heating or cooling mode),continuing compressor operation may cause an increase in the temperatureof the lower region thereby increasing the rate of flow of the tube and,as a result, the mixing rate of the liquid mass is also increased. Sinceheat transfer is a function of temperature difference, the greater thedifference between the refrigerant temperature and the water, thegreater the heat transfer there between. Similarly, as heat istransferred from the refrigerant to the water, the difference betweenthe water and the earth mass increases as does the heat transfer.

In a preferred embodiment the hollow tube 12 has a diameter between 12and 40 inches and a length between 12 and 30 feet. Also in a preferredembodiment the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 has a spiraldiameter of between 4 and 16 inches and a spiral length of between 10and 100 feet, and an overall length between 30 and 150 feet.

Although the support member 14 is depicted in FIGS. 1A to 1C as a column17 and a plurality of combs 18, the support member 14 can be configuredin other forms. As stated above, one use of the support member 14 is tomaintain the form of the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11, whileanother use of the support member 14 is to maintain the lateral positionof the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 within the hollow tube 12.Yet another use of support member 14 is to provide vertical liftingsupport to the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 during repair and/orreplacement, to be described in more detail below.

In light of these uses, column 17 can be for example tubular in nature,i.e. a pipe, a thin rod, etc. Another embodiment envisions the use ofspacing clips or attachment devices that can be secured to the tubing ofthe spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 to maintain an evenly spacedcoil.

Lift support 27 is provided on the top cap 19 of the geothermal column10 to provide an attachment location for lifting means to lift thegeothermal column 10. Lifting is required during installation andrepair. During the installation process the top cap 19 can be secured tothe hollow tube 12 and the entire geothermal column 10 can be lifted tobe inserted into a pre-bored hole in the earth. During repair, the topcap 19 is unsecured from the hollow tube 12 and the top cap 19 thesupport member 14 and the spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 can beremoved for inspection and access. This repairable design is unique tothe present invention and prevents the need to excavate the entiregeothermal column 10 for repair. Even in the event that the hollow tube12 develops a leak, the top cap 19 the support member 14 and thespirally wound refrigeration coil 11 can be removed to effect a repairon the hollow tube 12. one embodiment of the repair envisions the use ofa flexible non-porous insert that can be inserted into the hollow tube12, and into which the top cap 19 the support member 14 and the spirallywound refrigeration coil 11 can be reinserted.

Also shown on top cap 19 are ports 28 and 29. Ports 28 and 29 can beused for access to the interior of hollow tube 12. Access can be used tofill the hollow tube 12 with the non-antifreeze fluid 16 after thegeothermal column 10 is installed. In addition, a temp sensor and fluidlevel switch (not shown) can be installed and accessed through ports 28and/or 29.

The geothermal column 10 is not a sealed unit, and as such, changes intemperature can result in expansion and contraction of the geothermalcolumn 10 and subsequently the earth surrounding it. As such, there ismoderate opportunity for water to escape as a result of evaporationduring operation of a system incorporating a geothermal column 10. Lossof the non-anti-freeze fluid 16 can be detrimental to the efficientoperation of the system incorporating a geothermal column 10. In orderto mitigate this possibility, a float switch at the top of eachgeothermal column 10 wired to a single or multiple water solenoidvalve(s) (not shown) and a power supply can be included. The solenoidvalve(s) is/are plumbed into a water supply and, upon the triggering ofthe circuit by the float switch indicating an insufficient water level,water can be added to the geothermal column 10. Low water level alarmsand/or indicators can also be incorporated into the system.

Referring to FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality ofgeothermal columns 10 are provided in the geothermal system 100. Apreferred embodiment can also include a compressor section 30 and adistribution section 50. The geothermal system 100 is configured to bein communication with a climate system 99. The climate system can be atleast one of a heating system and a cooling system.

The geothermal system 100 is a closed refrigerant system. HCFCrefrigerants are contemplated, and can include the industry standardR-22. Other refrigerants can include HFC refrigerants, for example,R-407C and R-410A. Both of these HFC refrigerants are zeotropic blendsof other HFC refrigerants that provide both usability and highefficiency potential. R-407C shares similar psychometric properties asHCFC R-22, while R-410A operates at pressure and temperature ranges inthe range of 75% higher than R-22. R-410A is marginally more efficientthan R-407C and has emerged as the new standard inHeating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment. While equipmentdesign characteristics for R-407C are essentially identical to theformer R-22 equipment with the exception of the use of polyolester oilrather than mineral oils as lubricants, R-410A requires different tubinglengths and diameters, pressure vessels and ports, and some criticalcomponents (compressors, TXVs, etc.)

Referring to FIG. 5, the distribution section 50 can include anexpansion device 51 such as a Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV), acheck valve 52, a distribution manifold 53 and a collector manifold 54.Each of the geothermal columns 10 can be connected to an output of thedistribution manifold 53 and an input of the collector manifold 54. Inthis manner, the geothermal columns 10 are connected in a parallelfashion with each other. This provides for even distribution of heatingand cooling among the geothermal columns 10. This also provides toequally distribute the refrigerant into each of the geothermal column 10spirally wound refrigeration coil 11 sections 11 a and 11 b. Paralleldistribution also provides multiple points of entry into the heatexchange process resulting in heat exchange driven by greatertemperature differences at each of the multiple points as opposed to asingle point of maximum temperature differential followed by asubsequent extended length of heat exchange device interacting atreduced and less effective temperature differential. Additionally thesemultiple shorter lengths allow for smaller diameter tubing resulting inmore surface area per volume than a necessarily larger diameter tube.The expansion device 51 can be connected to the input of thedistribution manifold 53. A check valve 52 can be included in parallelbut opposite functional direction with the expansion device 51.

The expansion device 51 can be included to provide adiabatic expansion(pressure drop and temperature drop but no energy loss) of therefrigerant. A TXV expansion device is a sophisticated method ofproviding for the adiabatic expansion in that the orifice openingthrough which the high pressure refrigerant flows has a variable size,and this size is controlled by the downstream temperature and pressureof the refrigerant. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes asingle TXV expansion device 51, sized for the corresponding system size(e.g. tonnage) which is close-coupled to the distribution manifold 53.

In an alternate embodiment, a single smaller TXV can be placed withineach geothermal column 10 (e.g. a ½-ton TXV within a ½-ton geothermalcolumn and/or a 1-ton TXV within a 1-ton geothermal column), along withthe removal of the centrally located expansion device 51. In thisalternate embodiment, the refrigerant tubing arrangement is simplifiedfrom a radial array with multiple circuits running to each geothermalcolumn 10 to a common supply and return pipe running from one geothermalcolumn 10 to the next. This is made possible due to the fact the eachgeothermal column 10 can be regulated by its own expansion device, andas such the system can perform in a more naturally balanced manner.System efficiencies should likewise increase due to the reduced lengthof restrictive copper tubing. From a cost perspective, the amount ofcopper is substantially reduced, as is the amount of trenching required.This also in turn results in an increased ease of installation byreducing trenching and connection complexity. The alternate embodimentalso represents an improvement over the current technology in thatgeothermal column(s) placed in areas of differing subsurface conditions(e.g. one column in a high-water table area with another in dry sand)would traditionally result in a misbalanced system where refrigerantfollows a path preferring one column over the other as a result oftemperature and/or pressure conditions and in turn underutilizes theremaining geothermal column(s). However in the alternate embodiment,each geothermal column 10 functions at optimum efficiency as a result oflocalized controls. Another improvement effected by the alternateembodiment is the ability to further componentize the system withregards to sales and installation by removing an entire systemcomponent, and second by defining each geothermal column 10 as astandalone unit rather than a heat exchanger which is reliant uponadditional components. In this embodiment, the columns still interact ina parallel manner (refrigerant does not travel from one column to anysubsequent column) although the supply and return piping is containedwithin a single trench which connects each of the columns in a singleloop.

Compressor section 30 can include a first isolation valve 31, areversing valve 32, a compressor 33, a desuperheater 34, an accumulator35, a second isolation valve 36, a first sight glass 37, a filter/dryer38, a receiver 39, a solenoid valve 40 and a second sight glass 41. Thefirst and second isolation valves 31 and 40 are typically pall or gatetype valves which serve the purpose of allowing the isolation of varioussections of the system as a whole so that the various isolated sectionscan be serviced by removing the refrigerant and or pulling the sectioninto a vacuum state. These also allow the compressor section as anindependent unit to be transported and stored in a pressurized or vacuumstate. The reversing valve 32, also known as a four-way valve, providesthe ability to redirect the flow of refrigerant gases so that the systemcan function in either a heating (heat pump) or cooling (airconditioner) mode by electrical control mechanisms. The compressor 33isa device, preferably a hermetically sealed scroll type compressor butpossibly of multiple other refrigerant compressor designs, whichcompresses refrigerant typically from a lower pressure gas phase to ahigher pressure liquid phase. The desuperheater 34 is awater-to-refrigerant heat exchanger which is designed to provide heatedwater to the user at a relatively low cost. The accumulator 35 is ahollow canister with two ports which is used primarily to flash liquidrefrigerant to a gaseous state or store it prior to entering the suctionside of the compressor, where liquid refrigerant could cause damage. Thefirst and second sight glasses 37 and 41 consist of components withtransparent windows within the piping arrangement that allow for visualobservation and confirmation of liquid levels and quality entering andleaving the receiver 39. The filter/dryer 38 is a component containingan absorbent material and filter medium used for preventing suchcontaminants as water, acids, and/or particulates from moving throughoutthe system. The filter/dryer 38 is necessarily a bi-directional flowcomponent, as the refrigerant flow through the filter/drier changesdirection from one mode to the other (heating to cooling). The receiver39 is a hollow canister type component designed to hold excess levels ofliquid refrigerant as is required when switching between the twooperational modes. This is necessitated by the typical difference in theinternal volume of the heat exchange coils within the air handler unitand the geothermal heat exchange columns. This device must also bedesigned to operate bi-directionally as mode change will reverserefrigerant flow. The solenoid valve 40 is an electrically operatedrefrigerant shut-off valve which is interlocked with the operation ofthe compressor 33 to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing from thereceiver 39 to the geothermal heat exchange columns and/or into theaccumulator 35, which would cause significant amounts of liquidrefrigerant to enter the suction port of the compressor upon startup.Various other designs of a compressor section are contemplated whereinnot all of the above components are included or additional componentsare included.

The first isolation valve 31 is configured to be in communication withthe collector manifold 54. The second sight glass 41 is configured to bein communication with the distributor manifold 53. The second isolationvalve 36 and the first sight glass 37 are configured to be incommunication with the climate system 99. In a preferred embodimentclimate system 99 is an air handler system. As stated above climatesystem 99 can be a heating system, a cooling system, or a combinationheating/cooling system associated with a structure such as building B(FIG. 4). Also, although an air handler system is described herein,other heating and/or cooling systems are contemplated, for example, ahydronic heating system can be utilized.

It may thus be seen that the present invention can eliminate direct heattransfer from the refrigerant to the ground to obtain a number ofsubstantial advantages. Rather than dispose the transfer tubing inhorizontal orientation in the earth mass, the present invention providesfor vertical positioning of refrigeration lines within a volume ofwater, such that the water circulates by convection to transfer heat tothe landmass over a large vertically extending area. Depending uponrequirements, several geothermal columns may be provided, eachfunctioning in a similar manner. Land utilization is increased, andinstallation and servicing is less disruptive.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A geothermal system, comprising: at least onegeothermal column, comprising: at least one spirally wound refrigerationcoil configured to communicate with a heat pump compressor; a hollowtube having an outer wall of diameter substantially greater than that ofsaid at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and positioned so asto surround said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil, saidouter wall having a substantially rigid configuration such that saidhollow tube maintains its shape; and a support member configured toretain a shape of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coiland maintain a centrally located position of said at least one spirallywound refrigeration coil within said hollow tube; and a compressorsection in communication with the at least one geothermal column and aclimate system.
 2. The geothermal system of claim 1 wherein the at leastone geothermal column comprises a plurality of geothermal columns. 3.The geothermal system of claim 2 wherein the compressor section includesa collector manifold operatively connected to each one of said pluralityof geothermal columns, wherein the collector manifold is operativelyconnected to a first isolation valve.
 4. The geothermal system of claim3 wherein the compressor section includes a reversing valve fordirecting the flow of refrigerant gases such that the geothermal systemcan operate in either a heating mode or a cooling mode.
 5. Thegeothermal system of claim 4 including a desuperheater for exchangingheat between water and a refrigerant, said desuperheater beingoperatively connected to the reversing valve and a compressor, andwherein the compressor section includes an accumulator operativelydisposed between the compressor and the reversing valve.
 6. Thegeothermal system of claim 4 including a second isolation valveoperatively disposed between the reversing valve and an air handler ofthe climate system.
 7. The geothermal system of claim 2 wherein thecompressor section includes a distribution manifold operativelyconnected to each one of said plurality of geothermal columns and alsooperatively connected with a refrigeration expansion device.
 8. Thegeothermal system of claim 7 wherein the refrigeration expansion devicecomprises a thermostatic expansion valve and the geothermal systemfurther includes a check valve operatively connected in parallel with,but in opposite functional operation to the thermostatic expansionvalve.
 9. The geothermal system of claim 8 including a receiver and/oran accumulator for holding excess refrigerant.
 10. The geothermal systemof claim 9 further including a bidirectional filter/drier operativelyconnected with the receiver.
 11. The geothermal system of claim 9including a solenoid refrigerant shutoff valve operatively connectedwith the receiver and which is interlocked with the operation of acompressor.
 12. The geothermal system of claim 11 further including afirst sight glass operatively positioned between the thermostaticexpansion valve and the solenoid refrigerant shutoff valve.
 13. Thegeothermal system of claim 12 further including a second sight glassoperatively positioned between the filter/drier and an air handler ofthe climate system.
 14. The geothermal system of claim 2 wherein theclimate system is a heating and/or cooling system operatively associatedwith a building.
 15. The geothermal system of claim 2 wherein theclimate system is a hydronic system.
 16. The geothermal system of claim1 wherein the geothermal column, the compressor section and the climatesystem are integrated into a single packaged system which is deployableas a single unit.
 17. A geothermal system, comprising: at least onepre-fabricated geothermal column, comprising: at least one spirallywound refrigeration coil configured to communicate with a heat pumpcompressor; a hollow tube having an outer wall of diameter substantiallygreater than that of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coiland positioned so as to surround said at least one spirally woundrefrigeration coil, said outer wall being constructed from a corrugatedmaterial; and a support member configured to retain a shape of said atleast one spirally wound refrigeration coil and maintain a centrallylocated position of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coilwithin said hollow tube; and a compressor section in communication withthe at least one geothermal column and a climate system.
 18. The systemof claim 17 wherein the corrugated material is flexible.
 19. The systemof claim 17 wherein the corrugated material is rigid or semi-rigid. 20.A geothermal system, comprising: at least one pre-fabricated geothermalcolumn, comprising: at least one spirally wound refrigeration coilconfigured to communicate with a heat pump compressor; a hollow tubehaving an outer wall of diameter substantially greater than that of saidat least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and positioned so as tosurround said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil, said outerwall being constructed from a flexible material; and a support memberconfigured to retain a shape of said at least one spirally woundrefrigeration coil and maintain a centrally located position of said atleast one spirally wound refrigeration coil within said hollow tube; anda compressor section in communication with the at least one geothermalcolumn and a climate system.
 21. A geothermal system, comprising: atleast one geothermal column, comprising: at least one spirally woundrefrigeration coil configured to communicate with a heat pumpcompressor; a hollow tube having an outer wall of diameter substantiallygreater than that of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coiland positioned so as to surround said at least one spirally woundrefrigeration coil, said outer wall being constructed from a flexiblematerial; and a support member configured to retain a shape of said atleast one spirally wound refrigeration coil and maintain a centrallylocated position of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coilwithin said hollow tube; and a compressor section in communication withthe at least one geothermal column and a climate system.